Road Safety & Arrive Alive Blog

Limpopo crash kills nine

October 25, 2009

Nine people have been killed and one critically injured when two cars collided in Tafelkop near Motetema in Limpopo today. Police says a red Toyota Conquest travelling from Groblersdal to Nebo collided head-on with a green Opel Astra.

Spokesperson Mofati Makgopa says, “We do not yet know what caused the accident, but it might have been due to driving with bright lights on. All the five occupants of the Astra were burnt beyond recognition when it burst into flames after the collision.”

While the Conquest did not catch fire, the driver and three passengers were killed. All were adult men. “All their bodies were found lying around the wreckage as though they were trying to escape. A man in his mid-20s was the only survivor of the accident. He was rushed to Groblersdal Hospital in a critical condition,” says Makgopa.

The road was closed to traffic for about two hours as emergency workers cleaned up the scene. A case of culpable homicide has been opened.

SATI Chemicals plant blasts hurts 4

Meanwhile, four men were injured when a 23 000 litre oil tank exploded in Amanzimtoti today, KwaZulu-Natal emergency services said. The cause of the accident, at the SATI Chemicals plant in Beechgate road, is not yet known, Netcare 911 spokesperson Jeff Wicks said in a statement.

“The injured men were rushed to Netcare Kingsway hospital for further medical care. One man sustained burns to his face and legs and has been admitted for treatment. The others sustained inhalation burns and will likely be discharged later today.”

He said the explosion rocked surrounding factories and residential areas. Plumes of thick black smoke could be seen rising into the Amanzimtoti skyline. “Word from firefighters is that the smoke is not hazardous and there is no cause for alarm. The tank is still in flames and there are fears that other containers nearby could fall victim to the blaze if it is not brought under control.

“eThekwini Metro fire and emergency have called in resources from Durban central to assist.” – Sapa